I would like to share with you some of the secrets and the delights of living on the beautiful Mendocino/Sonoma Coast. From the majesty of the Gray Whale migration to the smallest wildflower blooming in a Redwood forest,
let's explore all these wonders together.

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Monday, July 22, 2013

Kayaking on the Gualala River - it's bliss!

On Saturday Rick and I finally kayaked the Gualala River, courtesy of Adventure Rents. They donated this trip to a popular fundraiser for Gualala Arts, called Art off the Wall. Along with art, there are various adventures. I chose this for my prize. Gualala Supermarket donated four delicious box lunches.

I am in the double kayak, awaiting my adventure, excited but just a little nervous.

We went with George and Rozann Grunig; they are in the yellow kayak. We are exploring the lagoon before heading up river, as advised by Wayne Harris of Adventure Rents. In summer months this river is closed to the ocean by a big sandbar, making kayaking very safe.

We found this group of Common Mergansers sunning themselves on a log.

We saw two River Otters. Rozann got a great photo, which I'll share another day. Can you spot the River Otter looking at me on the muddy riverbank?

Any nervousness is now gone and Rick & I are enjoying our first kayak ride.

Passing under the Gualala River Bridge unveiled over a hundred Swallow nests.

George and Rozann, more experienced than us, led the way. In two places we did have to get out and walk, as the river is low in spots. We had a dry winter/spring, which accounts for the lower levels. Jan Harris, of Adventure Rents, said, "Embrace your inner child" on the portages. We did and had fun doing it.

And here Rick and I are, four hours later, happy with our day on the beautiful Gualala River.

Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photos with you here, along with several I took.

Welcome to Mendonoma Sightings

I hope you will enjoy these nature sightings and photographs from the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast. I would appreciate your comments. Just click on "comments" under each day's sighting to post. Thanks for stopping by! Jeanne Jackson